Given my build estimate is starting to creep into almost 2k territory on the latter I was seeing if anyone had some good advice on a either a good base bike I can upgrade (like the Charge) or perhaps some suggestions on a frame to do a build around.

*Edit* Oh and before I forget neither of these frames have bottle cage bosses so given a reasonable commute I would appreciate something with at least one set.

I can post my parts list if anyone is interested but at this stage the frame is my focus.

Just go the single speed route. You're right Perth is pretty flat. I get away with a 50/15 set up on mine. Buy a nice geared bike secondhand and sell off the gears/shifters then get a spacer kit and chain tensioner. Wiggle (UK online bike shop) has free delivery to AUS at the mo', no minimum spend, get the gear from them. Should get change from $700 if you start with somethimg like this Cannondale for sale locally. http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/south-gu ... 1013031358 You'll end up with a sub 8kg bike 4Shaw. Need more info on a n SS build, I'm all ears.

MilkRacer wrote:Just go the single speed route. You're right Perth is pretty flat. I get away with a 50/15 set up on mine. Buy a nice geared bike secondhand and sell off the gears/shifters then get a spacer kit and chain tensioner. Wiggle (UK online bike shop) has free delivery to AUS at the mo', no minimum spend, get the gear from them. Should get change from $700 if you start with somethimg like this Cannondale for sale locally. http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/south-gu ... 1013031358 You'll end up with a sub 8kg bike 4Shaw. Need more info on a n SS build, I'm all ears.

Hey cheers for that, someone else suggested a road bike with a chain tensioner, I was not sure If I wanted to go that route though (aesthetically). Are there any benefits for this method over the conventional single speed setup ?

That CAAD 10 is a bargain for $700, if it was a 54 I would strip it bare . I would probably lean towards a steel frame anyhow as I would prefer the extra weight for training.

Benefits are the 'route' is cheaper, plenty of secondhand geared bikes, especially alloy models. Also the availability of cheap 'VERY GOOD QUALITY' 9/10 speed wheel sets, perfect for SS use with a nice spacer set from someone like Surley or VeloSolo (I have a mix of both with a VeloSolo 'tricolor' spacer set and a black Surley Singleator.

MilkRacer wrote:Benefits are the 'route' is cheaper, plenty of secondhand geared bikes, especially alloy models. Also the availability of cheap 'VERY GOOD QUALITY' 9/10 speed wheel sets, perfect for SS use with a nice spacer set from someone like Surley or VeloSolo (I have a mix of both with a VeloSolo 'tricolor' spacer set and a black Surley Singleator.

Yeah ok will have to investigate this option a bit further. I just need to get over the look of the singulator (Yeah I know I am obviously a bit finicky )

HLC wrote:Cinelli Gazetta's are a nice frameset. If you can get em for $550.

But in saying that, $550 gets you a lot these days.

I would build up a frame with track ends. Give's you the option of riding fixed if you do so.

I ride 49/16 fixed/brakeless in Perth. As Milk racer says, tops out at about 65 - all my legs can manage spinning flat out anyway.

Yeah I will definitely go a frame with Track Ends, I am open to suggestion on the gearing but I will be riding with a road drops and brakes (Not brave enough to commute completely fixed, but I will get a wheel which a flip flop so I can muck around with it at a later date) I am thinking of going with the On-One frame (link in previous post).

What do you guy's recommend as a decent BB and Chainset ? I was looking at :

BRLVR.v2 wrote:Check out the collossi frames here http://www.gearbrisbane.com/catelogue/index.html if you are set on a custom build, or the completes for a tad over a $1k. Much better value as you can ride immediatley and upgrade as bit wear out.

Have you seen that Torpedo7 has Voodoo Maji frames and forks for about 220 on sale, up to 320? I built a bike for a mate using this frame and it is a nice piece of kit. Really nicely made. Should check that out for a good solid cheap start.

Have you seen that Torpedo7 has Voodoo Maji frames and forks for about 220 on sale, up to 320? I built a bike for a mate using this frame and it is a nice piece of kit. Really nicely made. Should check that out for a good solid cheap start.

Hey Mrgolf, thanks I had a look at those frames on T7 they don't look to bad for the money I think I would prefer to go down the route of the On-One frames which I can get for around $330 with a steel fork.